For its first match since the World Cup, the France team easily beat the Netherlands (4-0), after a great collective performance and by releasing a real impression of power in sequence.
Could the France team dream of a better return home? Three months and five days after the World Cup final lost against Argentina in Qatar, it in any case offered a very good show to the public of the Stade de France, Friday March 24, against the Netherlands (4- 0). Thanks to goals from Antoine Griezmann (2nd), Dayot Upamecano (8th) and Kylian Mbappé (21st, 88th), the Blues start the Euro 2024 qualifiers perfectly, against the Dutch considered their most formidable opponents in group B.
With this great success, the players of the France team have proven that they are not afraid of change. Following the international retirements of Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda and Raphaël Varane – the three received an expeditious tribute before the meeting – the Blues began a new cycle on Friday evening, with Didier Deschamps still as leader, and Kylian Mbappé as new guide.
Successful first for Mbappé as captain
After passing his first test, that of communication at a press conference on Thursday, the new captain passed the one on the pitch with as much brilliance. Antoine Griezmann was disappointed not to be named captain? Mbappé extinguished any controversy by serving his vice-captain on a plateau after one minute and 55 seconds of play, the fastest goal for the French team since 2006 (2nd). “Grizou” and Mbappé celebrated everything in a hug which shows that everything is going well within the group.
This osmosis was felt during a first period when France gave off an impression of power as rarely, not even during the World Cup. The Blues assumed their status as vice-world champions by defeating the Netherlands for the second time with the goal of Dayot Upamecano, well helped by the poor exit of Jasper Cillessen (8th). Then the Dutch goalkeeper attended, defeated like all his defense which gave up on the action, at the goal of Mbappé (21st).
At the time, we will praise the gesture of Randal Kolo Muani, whose feint is worth decisive pass. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has scored points and Olivier Giroud has something to worry about. Despite these three-goal lead and this unchallenged domination, Didier Deschamps had a few things to say about his bench. The Blues offered some good sequences, with this action which ended with a recovery above Mbappé (30th), but also eased off, especially in the second half. Slightly drowsy by the slower pace, the Blues were awakened by Mbappé, author of a solo rush for the double at the end of the match (88th).
Maignan already decisive
All that was missing was a high-flying performance from Mike Maignan for a perfect performance. The new number 1 goalkeeper of the Blues was forced to do some exercises to warm up. He only really had to intervene on a vicious free kick from Memphis Depay (58th) before taking out the penalty from the latter at the end of the match (90th + 4). The Netherlands have been far from their level of quarter-finalists of the last World Cup and undefeated team for 20 games in regulation time. Watch out for any symptoms of inflammation, as the Dutch have been diminished by several injuries, and a viral infection that has plagued the group.
The Blues don’t care and gain confidence with a good performance where it is above all the collective that shone, before a trip which promises to be tricky in Ireland on Monday March 27. Despite this success, the road to Euro 2024 will be long. In Dublin, the French team will this time be far from their bases, not as well received as on Friday, and will once again have to assume their status as vice-world champions.